MacCombich (Evan Dhu), foster-brother of Fergus M’Ivor, both of whom were sentenced to death at Carlisle.—Sir W. Scott, Waverley (time, George II.).
MacCombich (Robin Oig), or M’Gregor, a Highland drover, who stabs Harry Wakefield, and is found guilty at Carlisle.—Sir W. Scott, The Two Drovers (time, George III.).
MacCrosskie (Deacon), of Creochstone, a neighbor of the laird of Ellangowan.—Sir W. Scott, Guy Mannering (time, George II.).
MacDonald’s Breed (Lord), vermin, or human parasites. Lord MacDonald, son of the “Lord of the Isles” once made a raid on the mainland. He and his followers dressed themselves in the clothes of the plundered party, but their own rags were so full of vermin that no one was poor enough to covet them.
MacDougal of Lorn, a Highland chief in the army of Montrose.—Sir W. Scott, Legend of Montrose (time, Charles I.).
Macduff, thane of Fife in the time of Edward the Confessor. One of the witches told Macbeth to “beware of the thane of Fife,” but another added that “none of woman born should have power to harm him.” Macduff was at this moment in England, raising an army to dethrone Macbeth, and place Malcolm (son of Duncan) on the throne. Macbeth did not know of his absence, but with a view of cutting him off, attacked his castle, and slew Lady Macduff with all her children. Having raised an army, Macduff led it to Dunsinane, where a furious battle ensued. Macduff encountered Macbeth, and being told by the king that “none of woman born could prevail against him,” replied that he (Macduff) was not born of a woman, but—
——was from his mother’s womb
Untimely ripp’d.
They fought and Macbeth was killed.—Shakespeare, Macbeth, act v. sc. 8.
Macey. Sturdy good man who refuses to give up a persecuted Quaker who has sought his house for refuge. Macey would keep off the posse with his gun, but the Friend yields himself up. When the attempt is made to arrest Macey, also, he and his wife escape by boat to the then desolate Island of Nautucket and make there a home.